Malawi is preparing to withdraw its troops from eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) following an order from President Lazarus Chakwera. The directive, issued on Wednesday, follows a ceasefire declared by warring factions in the region.
Malawian forces are part of a Southern African Development Community (SADC) military mission deployed to assist Congolese troops in combating armed insurgents. The regional bloc extended the mission last year to help stabilize the area.
A statement from the Malawian government said President Chakwera instructed the Malawi Defense Force (MDF) commander to begin the withdrawal process. The decision aligns with the ceasefire declared by a coalition of rebel groups, including M23 fighters, who announced the truce on Tuesday to allow humanitarian efforts and diplomatic discussions.
Violence in eastern Congo has persisted for years, with various armed groups fighting for control. SADC’s intervention was aimed at curbing the conflict, but recent developments suggest a shift toward a negotiated resolution.
